History of the Speedster Replica
Posted: Thu Aug 17, 2006 7:56 pm
This all got a bit heated last time I mentioned it. Thought I'd try re-posting it to bring a few of the posts together. Sure lots of people will find it interesting where all our cars originated from.
1975 - 1976
A Porsche Speedster replica was developed by Frank Reisner and tooling made, as well as a prototype, in Los Angeles.
1976 - 1979
Automobili Intermeccanica was formed in partnership between Frank Reisner and Tony Baumgartner in Santa Ana, California, to build SPEEDSTERS.
About 600 SPEEDSTERS were constructed. Tony Baumgartner bought out Frank Reisner's 50% share of Automobili Intermeccanica and later sold the SPEEDSTER project and equipment to Classic Motor Carriages in Florida, who still produce the SPEEDSTERs.
Based on an article by Terry Sands of Sheldonhurst Speedster fame.
1976/7
Intermeccanica (run by Frank Reisner) were probably the first manufacturer of a Speedster replica.
Early '80s
Apal were probably Europe's first agent for Speedster replicas
From the APAL site
The model was called the Apal Speedster and is a replica of the Porsche 356 model, built on a VW Beetle floorplan. Altogether 700 were completed between 1981 and 1994.
1982
Classic Reproductions formed (Principal - Terry Sands). First demo car Iaunched in December in conjunction with Swede Thorsren Sodjeberg and Adrian Cocking.
October 1983
Classic Reproductions (known as Sandwood Automotive Ltd) display at London Motor Show, Earls Court, with co-marketing partners DJ Sportscars and Thorsten Sogjeberg. Four orders taken at show, one from the owner of an original 356. Demonstration car goes to Swedish compuny, who become distributors for Scandinavia. 'Sandwood now housed in a five thousand square foot facility in Tamworth. Development work on Roadster D version continues, albeit somewaht half-heartedly
November 1983
Mohrspolt of Germany appointed Sandwood Distributors. Terry Sands completes design of purpose-built chassis. replccing the VW floorplan and allowing the straightforward fitting of torsion bar front and independent rear suspension. Complete chassis available as an option at £395!
1984
Adrian Cocking (now RAM Automotive) produces GRP panels for Sandwood. Major exponsion and cash injection. Company now Sheldonhurst Ltd with Terry Sands as Chairman and Managing Director. Move to eight thousand square foot facility in Tyseley (Birmingham). PGO Inc. of Bordeaux become French agents. Four kits and two cars a month going to Mohrsport at the peak of production. 'Omegachassis' refined to channel the body over the chassis - giving a more authentic stance to the car without compromising ride quality. Also seat base lowered by three inches, allowing more headroom and better through screen vision.
September 1985
Terry Sands parts company with Sheldonhurst. Company chrashes som eighteen months later.
1984 -1986
TPC of Stratford upon Avon enter the marketplace. This is the imported Apal and is 50%^ more expensive thn the Sheldonhurst.
Some TPC Info here:-
http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8788
1983-1989
Dax and Covin tie up to offer Speedster replica. In 1995 this was taken over by Grannd Performance Cars.
1988
Chris Boyle of "Street Beetle" obtains a set of Speedster moulds. As a Street Rodder, his main market was away from the mainstream 'kit car' fraternity.
1988/9
Imports of Apal taken over by Clive and Sandy Woodward trading as 'Speedsters' This version was later marketed by the Classic Carriage Company.
1990
Chesil enter the marketplace with purchase of Street Beetle project.
1996
Trac Services announce imminent launch of Speedster, currently still under develoment.
November 1996
Two bodies, one Californian and one Speedster replica taken from King or safety moulds which have been in Terry Sands possession since Classic Reproduction days. Thes were desined for a friend and his brother who subsequently changed their plans from a drive round Europe in the two cars to a backpacking trek around Australia! Further body produced for John Braiden to co-develop Convertible D for himself and Terry Sands.
January 1997
Bodies advertised on behalf of friend and brother - huge response - over eighty replies by end of January. This prompted some serious thinking resulting in a decision to produce a batch of ten Speedsters and five Californians on a first come first served basis. At present the body kits comprise main tub, all inner panels. double skinned boot/bonnet/doors and bumpers.
Contact re-established with original 1983 collaborator,who can supply off-the-shelf all trim and accessory brightwork grills, windscreens, etc. Upho!stery, hood etc. are still made by original manufacturer. Look out for some "sensible" prices on trim and accessories.
If sufficient response - which seem likely - development will also continue on 1958/9 model Convertible D - offering properly designed wind-up side windows (mechanical or electric), three inch taller windscreen and soft top. We have located the original Kharmann Ghia hard top in Germany which is being brought over soon. Other accessory items will follow but windscreen and surrounds have already been sourced and the correct style of doors for wind-up windows have been secured.
Original Sandwood "Omegachassis" (replaces VW floorpan with purpose built item - torsion bar fronnt, IRS) may be resurrected and possibly developed to take strut/disc front end. Incidentally, seeing the current interest Alfa Sud engine conversions for Beetles, it was Terry Sands who designed and produced such a chassis in1982, the "Alphachassis", which took all major Alfa Sud components in the original format, i.e. engine in front of gearbox. This resulted in virtual race car like handling with a mid-engine configurution, retaining the Alpha five-speed box and inboard disc brake set up. This was designed to accomodate all VW floorplan based kit cars of the era. At least two were produced for Speedster kits.
Late March 1997
Terry Sands anticipates incorporating a G'RP/carbon composite subframe assembly into the kits, to eliminate the last traces of potential rust problems - these items have been available in Europe for the last six years and have TUV approval in their country of origin.
Next bit originally posted by Martin Craven.
Whilst on the subject of "roots" - I hate to be a "know-all" - but I should point out that the APAL replica was in fact not the "original" but splashed from THE originator of the genre - Frank Reisner, once of California, now resident in Canada. He supplied kits to APAL and also at the same time [ 1980 ] to a little known company in Sweden. The upshot of that was that BOTH companies ended up "splashing" the moulds. Now it gets interesting - in 1981 the Swedish company approached "Classic Reproductions" in Tamworth to make the kits, that company became Sheldonhurst and then THAT company liaised with D.J.Sportscars to manufacture the kits - DJ making the GRP, Sheldonhurst the Steelwork.
Then along came Mohr Innovationen [ 1982 ] and took on the European distribution for the Speedster from Sheldonhurst [ also a Cobra + others ] AND started their own line of development. When Sheldonhurst ceased manufacture, ONE set of Moulds was sold to Street Beetle [ who also temporarily got the "California" moulds in error ], and by this time Mohr had their own moulds / jigs and continued to develop the Speedster in Germany. Of course we all know [ well documented ] where the Street Beetle moulds ended up, together with the "California" moulds after again being erromeously passed but were eventually reclaimed. Oh yes, Mohr also supplied 2 companies in France and one in Spain with the Sheldonhurst product, one being PGO [ originally based in Mulhouse and then Bordeaux].
It's fairly safe to say that all traditional Speedster kits emanated from those original Riesner kits [ thanks Frank ] - And what a bitter man HE is - accusing EVERYONE of ripping off HIS design [ has he ever heard of a guy called "Porsche"?]. I spoke at some length with him, and he really is not a happy "lapin". While going through all Mohr's archives on my last visit, it's amazing to see all the foregoing documented with press clippings and period photos.
I also heard recently that one manufacturer even claimed that "His" moulds were taken from an "Original aluminium bodied car" !! Can't understand why he'd take a mould off the "#1" car [ and presumably have to get permisison to take it out of the museum ] and then have to change it all to look like a Speedster.Ah well, it's an incestuous business this GRP stuff.
So, APAL in fact started out life as an Intermeccanica - as did ALL subsequent "splashes" - oh yes, except the Classic Roadsters "Roadster T6", which uses a completely diferent body style and steel subframe! Just to stay as " one of the boys" - I will also market the "traditional" Speedster kit [ kit only ],and a Mohr developed 356 Cabriolet [ again - traditional kit only ].
I hope that sets the record somewhat straighter - at the end of the day unless it's a Manufactured Turnkey car, it really makes NO difference as it's the input of the individual that makes this hobby so interesting and diverse.
I think currently active UK makers are:-
Chesil
Classic Roadsters
Martin & Walker
Pilgrim
Speedster Clinic?
Paul Banham made a metro based version which went on to become 356 Sports which are no longer on the go.
Anybody care to add any details relating to the actual history/family tree of 356 replicas?
1975 - 1976
A Porsche Speedster replica was developed by Frank Reisner and tooling made, as well as a prototype, in Los Angeles.
1976 - 1979
Automobili Intermeccanica was formed in partnership between Frank Reisner and Tony Baumgartner in Santa Ana, California, to build SPEEDSTERS.
About 600 SPEEDSTERS were constructed. Tony Baumgartner bought out Frank Reisner's 50% share of Automobili Intermeccanica and later sold the SPEEDSTER project and equipment to Classic Motor Carriages in Florida, who still produce the SPEEDSTERs.
Based on an article by Terry Sands of Sheldonhurst Speedster fame.
1976/7
Intermeccanica (run by Frank Reisner) were probably the first manufacturer of a Speedster replica.
Early '80s
Apal were probably Europe's first agent for Speedster replicas
From the APAL site
The model was called the Apal Speedster and is a replica of the Porsche 356 model, built on a VW Beetle floorplan. Altogether 700 were completed between 1981 and 1994.
1982
Classic Reproductions formed (Principal - Terry Sands). First demo car Iaunched in December in conjunction with Swede Thorsren Sodjeberg and Adrian Cocking.
October 1983
Classic Reproductions (known as Sandwood Automotive Ltd) display at London Motor Show, Earls Court, with co-marketing partners DJ Sportscars and Thorsten Sogjeberg. Four orders taken at show, one from the owner of an original 356. Demonstration car goes to Swedish compuny, who become distributors for Scandinavia. 'Sandwood now housed in a five thousand square foot facility in Tamworth. Development work on Roadster D version continues, albeit somewaht half-heartedly
November 1983
Mohrspolt of Germany appointed Sandwood Distributors. Terry Sands completes design of purpose-built chassis. replccing the VW floorplan and allowing the straightforward fitting of torsion bar front and independent rear suspension. Complete chassis available as an option at £395!
1984
Adrian Cocking (now RAM Automotive) produces GRP panels for Sandwood. Major exponsion and cash injection. Company now Sheldonhurst Ltd with Terry Sands as Chairman and Managing Director. Move to eight thousand square foot facility in Tyseley (Birmingham). PGO Inc. of Bordeaux become French agents. Four kits and two cars a month going to Mohrsport at the peak of production. 'Omegachassis' refined to channel the body over the chassis - giving a more authentic stance to the car without compromising ride quality. Also seat base lowered by three inches, allowing more headroom and better through screen vision.
September 1985
Terry Sands parts company with Sheldonhurst. Company chrashes som eighteen months later.
1984 -1986
TPC of Stratford upon Avon enter the marketplace. This is the imported Apal and is 50%^ more expensive thn the Sheldonhurst.
Some TPC Info here:-
http://www.ddk-online.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=8788
1983-1989
Dax and Covin tie up to offer Speedster replica. In 1995 this was taken over by Grannd Performance Cars.
1988
Chris Boyle of "Street Beetle" obtains a set of Speedster moulds. As a Street Rodder, his main market was away from the mainstream 'kit car' fraternity.
1988/9
Imports of Apal taken over by Clive and Sandy Woodward trading as 'Speedsters' This version was later marketed by the Classic Carriage Company.
1990
Chesil enter the marketplace with purchase of Street Beetle project.
1996
Trac Services announce imminent launch of Speedster, currently still under develoment.
November 1996
Two bodies, one Californian and one Speedster replica taken from King or safety moulds which have been in Terry Sands possession since Classic Reproduction days. Thes were desined for a friend and his brother who subsequently changed their plans from a drive round Europe in the two cars to a backpacking trek around Australia! Further body produced for John Braiden to co-develop Convertible D for himself and Terry Sands.
January 1997
Bodies advertised on behalf of friend and brother - huge response - over eighty replies by end of January. This prompted some serious thinking resulting in a decision to produce a batch of ten Speedsters and five Californians on a first come first served basis. At present the body kits comprise main tub, all inner panels. double skinned boot/bonnet/doors and bumpers.
Contact re-established with original 1983 collaborator,who can supply off-the-shelf all trim and accessory brightwork grills, windscreens, etc. Upho!stery, hood etc. are still made by original manufacturer. Look out for some "sensible" prices on trim and accessories.
If sufficient response - which seem likely - development will also continue on 1958/9 model Convertible D - offering properly designed wind-up side windows (mechanical or electric), three inch taller windscreen and soft top. We have located the original Kharmann Ghia hard top in Germany which is being brought over soon. Other accessory items will follow but windscreen and surrounds have already been sourced and the correct style of doors for wind-up windows have been secured.
Original Sandwood "Omegachassis" (replaces VW floorpan with purpose built item - torsion bar fronnt, IRS) may be resurrected and possibly developed to take strut/disc front end. Incidentally, seeing the current interest Alfa Sud engine conversions for Beetles, it was Terry Sands who designed and produced such a chassis in1982, the "Alphachassis", which took all major Alfa Sud components in the original format, i.e. engine in front of gearbox. This resulted in virtual race car like handling with a mid-engine configurution, retaining the Alpha five-speed box and inboard disc brake set up. This was designed to accomodate all VW floorplan based kit cars of the era. At least two were produced for Speedster kits.
Late March 1997
Terry Sands anticipates incorporating a G'RP/carbon composite subframe assembly into the kits, to eliminate the last traces of potential rust problems - these items have been available in Europe for the last six years and have TUV approval in their country of origin.
Next bit originally posted by Martin Craven.
Whilst on the subject of "roots" - I hate to be a "know-all" - but I should point out that the APAL replica was in fact not the "original" but splashed from THE originator of the genre - Frank Reisner, once of California, now resident in Canada. He supplied kits to APAL and also at the same time [ 1980 ] to a little known company in Sweden. The upshot of that was that BOTH companies ended up "splashing" the moulds. Now it gets interesting - in 1981 the Swedish company approached "Classic Reproductions" in Tamworth to make the kits, that company became Sheldonhurst and then THAT company liaised with D.J.Sportscars to manufacture the kits - DJ making the GRP, Sheldonhurst the Steelwork.
Then along came Mohr Innovationen [ 1982 ] and took on the European distribution for the Speedster from Sheldonhurst [ also a Cobra + others ] AND started their own line of development. When Sheldonhurst ceased manufacture, ONE set of Moulds was sold to Street Beetle [ who also temporarily got the "California" moulds in error ], and by this time Mohr had their own moulds / jigs and continued to develop the Speedster in Germany. Of course we all know [ well documented ] where the Street Beetle moulds ended up, together with the "California" moulds after again being erromeously passed but were eventually reclaimed. Oh yes, Mohr also supplied 2 companies in France and one in Spain with the Sheldonhurst product, one being PGO [ originally based in Mulhouse and then Bordeaux].
It's fairly safe to say that all traditional Speedster kits emanated from those original Riesner kits [ thanks Frank ] - And what a bitter man HE is - accusing EVERYONE of ripping off HIS design [ has he ever heard of a guy called "Porsche"?]. I spoke at some length with him, and he really is not a happy "lapin". While going through all Mohr's archives on my last visit, it's amazing to see all the foregoing documented with press clippings and period photos.
I also heard recently that one manufacturer even claimed that "His" moulds were taken from an "Original aluminium bodied car" !! Can't understand why he'd take a mould off the "#1" car [ and presumably have to get permisison to take it out of the museum ] and then have to change it all to look like a Speedster.Ah well, it's an incestuous business this GRP stuff.
So, APAL in fact started out life as an Intermeccanica - as did ALL subsequent "splashes" - oh yes, except the Classic Roadsters "Roadster T6", which uses a completely diferent body style and steel subframe! Just to stay as " one of the boys" - I will also market the "traditional" Speedster kit [ kit only ],and a Mohr developed 356 Cabriolet [ again - traditional kit only ].
I hope that sets the record somewhat straighter - at the end of the day unless it's a Manufactured Turnkey car, it really makes NO difference as it's the input of the individual that makes this hobby so interesting and diverse.
I think currently active UK makers are:-
Chesil
Classic Roadsters
Martin & Walker
Pilgrim
Speedster Clinic?
Paul Banham made a metro based version which went on to become 356 Sports which are no longer on the go.
Anybody care to add any details relating to the actual history/family tree of 356 replicas?
I think "ohmygod" chassis would be a more appropriate name